A DRUNK made leering comments towards a woman at Coate Water then challenged a dog walker to a fight, a court heard.

Craig Day, 32, who was seen throwing things at swans on the Swindon lake, also admitted trying to kick down his former partner’s front door.

Sentencing the Liden man to an 18 month community order at Swindon Magistrates’ Court, chairman of the bench Martin Smith said: “Two unpleasant offences – very unpleasant offences – and then your ex-partner. If you want to get back with her that’s not going to help.”

Earlier, prosecutor Keith Ballinger told the justices that Day was at Coate Water country park on July 20 last year.

A woman, who was walking around the lake shortly after 7am, said she spotted Day and another man by the water.

Day said “look at you, you’re beautiful” then began walking alongside the woman, who was on the path above him.

He made a number of vile comments and threatened: “I’m going to murder you. I’m going to hide your body.” He was also said to have thrown things at swans on the lake.

Swindon Advertiser:

Craig Day leaves Swindon Magistrates' Court

Later that same day, Day was challenged by a dog walker who saw him vandalise a bin.

The defendant became verbally abusive, challenging the Good Samaritan to a fight. He told the man: “Tie your dog up and we’ll have a go.”

Day began throwing punches, with the dog walker knocking the aggressor to the ground in self-defence.

The man carried on following the dog walker until two other men intervened.

Ten days later, on July 30, Day kicked the front door of his former partner’s flat in an attempt to gain entry.

He was said to be trying to retrieve property. His ex-partner had earlier asked him to arrange for his mother to pick up.

Luke Jameson, mitigating, said his client had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and struggled with alcohol addiction.

“I don’t think a prison sentence would be a constructive outcome at all,” he said, adding that a spell in custody would not address the underlying issues.

Day, of Upfield, Liden, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to threatening behaviour, using violence to secure entry and criminal damage.

Magistrates followed a recommendation by the probation service and imposed an 18 month community order with a six month alcohol treatment requirement and 30 rehabilitation activity sessions.

He must pay £125 in compensation to each of his victims at Coate Water and £50 in court costs.